Description by LIAG Architects

LIAG has designed a sustainable residential villa for a client. The design consists of a distinct framework, finished in Western Red Cedar cladding, that contains the different functions of the building.

The kitchen and swimming pool form two volumes that protrude out on either side of this framework. In the frontyard the main volume floats above a rising landscape of Marram grass. The facade takes a step back to create space for a breakfast patio with a grand view of the inland shipping in the ever-busy canal. The terrace at the rear forms an extension to the living room, connected via expansive glazed sliding doors.

Through the use of mobile hanging cabinets in the form of room dividers the villa has a wide variety of options for interior transformation, giving it variable arrangements and atmosphere. This way the kitchen can be completely separated from the living area but also connected to serve as an open kitchen. The same goes for the study room. It can be part of the living area to create a vast open space, or can be separated when required.

Parking is made easy and convenient by creating a carport underneath the main floor to allow direct access to the house. The lower floor accommodates a cinema, storage areas and guest bedrooms.

The heating and cooling is provided by an Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage system. The villa has demand-controlled ventilation. The swimming pool has a separate heating installation using a heat pump system. The villa is also designed with 78 solar panels on the roof for a sustainable supply of electricity. By giving them a 10-degree angle the panels are not visible from the street.